IndyBlog

Bike to Work Day is tomorrow

Tomorrow is Bike To Work Day, which means that if you ditch your car for two wheels, you can hang out with a lot of other cyclists and get a free bagel.

The City of Colorado Springs is celebrating the day by hosting free breakfast and inviting the public to take a ride through America the Beautiful Park with Mayor John Suthers. You can register here.

Very few Springs residents ride their bikes to work on a regular basis, but most of the people I've talked to on past Bike To Work Days have said that they were surprised how easy and fun it was to commute by bike. Personally, I've observed the holiday off and on for many years, and am delighted by how much it brightens my day.

Want to give it a try? Here are the details from the city:

Join us for a bagel and fruit breakfast at a Bike to Work Day celebration location near you! The downtown celebration will be at America the Beautiful park with Mayor Suthers. We will also be at the University Village Colorado shopping center on Nevada and 10 YMCA locations throughout the city!

Join the fun with Mayor Suthers as he leads a community ride to America the Beautiful Park! Ride departs Goose Gossage Park at 6 a.m. More than 100 riders joined in the fun last year, and we’re looking to make it even bigger this year.

Mountain Metro Rides organizes Bike to Work Day activities each June to encourage bicycling for personal and community health, alternative transportation, recreation and sustainability. Help us celebrate by riding your bike to one of our many breakfast locations around the city. Invite your friends, family and coworkers to join the fun!

Worried about traffic? Here are a few "Share the Road Tips," courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation:

For Drivers
· Give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing: Even if it requires crossing the center line, if it is safe – or risk a ticket.
· Wait a few seconds: If you don’t have three feet to pass then wait until there is enough room to pass safely.
· Take a brake: Reduce speed when encountering bicyclists.
· Scan, then turn: Look for bicyclists before making turns and make sure the road is clear before proceeding.

For Riders
· Cyclists must ride as far right as possible: And not impede traffic when passing other riders or riding two abreast.
· Side-by-Side Rule: Ride no more than two abreast; move to single-file if riding two abreast impedes the flow of motorized traffic.
· Ride Predictably: Scan the road, anticipate hazards, and communicate your moves to others.
· Signal First: Use hand signals to alert nearby vehicles to turns or lane changes.